CLEVELAND HTS. A public hearing called by City Council Aug. 8 raised concern from residents for two primary reasons; the emergency clause included in the ordinance to be discussed, and that ordinance’s possible ramifications on the development of the former Oakwood Country Club.

The ordinance – suggested by sustainability zoning consultant Camiros – adopts regulations for adaptive reuse of existing non-residential buildings in residential districts. It was noted in discussion the former Coventry School site, 2843 Washington Blvd., would likely be the first building under which the new ordinance would apply. Open Office — a provider of office space for people who work from home — is seeking to lease a section of the facility, but that usage does not meet current zoning regulations for that site.

Prior to the public hearing, representatives from the “Citizens for Oakwood” group distributed e-mails questioning why the ordinance contained the emergency clause; which precludes it from requiring two votes from council, and enables the legislation to immediately take effect. The Cleveland Heights City Charter also states measures passed on emergency are not subject to referendum.

The group — aimed at preserving the former club’s land as a green space — urged those on its mailing list to contact city officials and request the ordinance not be passed on emergency.

It was announced at the hearing the emergency clause would be removed from the legislation. Council member Cheryl Stephens explained in their “zealousness” to promote economic development, city officials failed to consider such planning issues “need to percolate,” and require the appropriate consideration and input.

“The emergency clause should probably never have been in there,” Mayor Ed Kelley said.

City officials were also pressed during the meeting as to what implications the ordinance may have on the future of Oakwood, with at least one speaker voicing concern over the possibility of big box stores taking over the property.

It was noted during the discussion the ordinance does not allow for retail business, and the legislation is not specifically geared toward the former club’s land.

“It has nothing to do with Oakwood, it has to do with Coventry (School),” council member Bonita Caplan later said.

However, city planning director Richard Wong did acknowledge the ordinance’s potential effect on Oakwood development in an e-mail forwarded to the Sun Press.

“Regarding Oakwood, this adaptive reuse ordinance would make it possible to find a use for the clubhouse without rezoning the land to another use district such as multi-family or commercial,” he wrote.

The ordinance was to appear before the Planning Commission at its Aug. 10 meeting, and council is expected to review it further at its Aug. 15 meeting.

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